Overview & Reviews

There are affordable cars, and then there are cars that offer thrilling performance. Rarely do the two ever converge, but Japanese automaker Mazda has made it a tradition of coming up with vehicles that combine both of these eminently desirable traits.

The Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan, used the name "Mazda" for its first three-wheeled truck, built in 1931. Company founder Jujiro Matsuda chose the word "Mazda" because it was the name of the Zoroastrian god of good and light. Work on a small sedan began in the late 1930s, but development was halted so the company could pitch in with Japan's war effort. In the wake of World War II and the rebuilding that followed, the company refocused its efforts on car development and manufacturing.

By 1960, the first Mazda automobile -- the R360 coupe -- was developed, and the company's foray into the production of passenger vehicles began in full force. Other landmark developments were soon to follow. In 1961, the company entered into a technical partnership with NSU and Wankel to develop and produce rotary engines, a union that led to Mazda's distinguishing itself as the only manufacturer to offer three engine configurations: conventional gasoline piston, diesel and rotary. The '60s also saw the introduction of the company's first pickup, the B-Series 1500, as well as its first rotary-engine vehicle, the 110S Cosmo Sport.

Mazda began selling cars in the U.S. in 1970. In the early part of the decade, the automaker rolled out the RX-2. Powered by the noted 12A rotary, the RX-2 introduced America to Mazda's effort to build cars that were affordable and fun to drive. The decade also saw the introduction of the RX-3, RX-4 and now iconic rotary-powered RX-7 sports car. In 1979, Ford Motor Company purchased a 25 percent stake in Mazda after the Japanese company encountered a number of financial difficulties.

The 1980s was a decade of rebirth for Mazda. The company officially took on the Mazda name (though all its vehicles since its launch in the '20s have carried that brand). It also witnessed an upswing in sales sparked by successful new products like the 323 (which was first called the GLC in the American market) and 626. The 1990 model year saw the launch of a car that would prove a huge hit for Mazda: the MX-5 Miata. Lauded for its ultra-responsive handling and affordability, the drop top has been a consistent favorite, and now holds the distinction of being the world's best-selling roadster.

Mazda began the 1990s with a bang by winning Le Mans with the 787B; it was the first time a Japanese automaker had won the prestigious race, and marked the only win for a rotary engine. Vehicles like the RX-7 and MX-5 Miata scored kudos from automotive journalists, and landed on many top 10 lists. However, save for the Miata, the company's vehicles experienced declining sales in the U.S., and the company's fortunes suffered as a result.

The new millennium has seen Mazda regain its stride, as the automaker has invested in new development. Models like the Mazda 2 and CX-9 have broadened the lineup and won over a whole new generation of fans, while the enthusiast-oriented RX-8 and Mazdaspeed performance models have exemplified the company's spirited philosophy. Most recently, Mazda has focused on designing its cars to be as fuel-efficient as possible while also still being fun to drive and affordable to own.

User Reviews:

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  Mazda 3 Wagon horrible in Snow - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By JKromberg - April 22 - 6:03 pm

  I replaced my 2001 Celica with a 2007 Mazda 3 wagon. Based on the first snow of the season, the Mazda 3 is the absolute WORST performing car I have ever driven. I got stuck in 2 inches of snow in the dip at the intersection! I can not make it up a mild hill that everyone else was flying up. My old Celica drove like a tank compared to this. I hope the problem is only horrible tires from the factory. If not, anybody want to by a used Mazda 3 Wagon? I should also mention that during the summer, the air condition could not keep up. It was 100 outside and 90 inside. The dealer said it was working fine. The car does have the utility inside that I was looking for in terms of a wagon.

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  Big Mistake - 2012 Mazda CX-7
  By chipreader - April 15 - 2:25 am

  Wish we never bought this vehicle. Very disappointed in the "tinnyness" of the car. Light, noisy (especially in the rain) and uncomfortable to drive for someone over 6. Very poor visibility with bulky headrests and smaller windows. Dash trim fit poor. Poor acceleration with any weight on board. My recommendation is to drive it for a day (wish we did) before purchase. I indicated good reliability, but too early to tell (2500mi). After driving VW for 20 yrs, thought we try something different. Oops.

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  Anyone Else Experiencing Electrical Issues?? - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By jayl2 - April 7 - 3:15 pm

  Purchased the car used from a dealer in January 2008. Within 6 months, started to notice issues with the clock not lighting up. This ultimately progressed to the entire dash not lighting up, or flickering. Now, the radio turns on and off by itself, and is a real nuisance when driving. I was told by the dealer that to correct this problem it will be over $1000. Needless to say, I dont have the money now to do this. Has anyone else experienced this problem? Was there ever a recall on this issue? I couldnt find one. Other than forking over $1000 to get this issue corrected, what has anyone else done to remedy the situation?

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  Mazda is not helping!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By ebricha - April 1 - 11:55 am

  Ive purchased my 07 mazda new, the last few months Ive notice a noise coming from my car, my car was sounding loud, had it looked at and more than one person said they didnt hear anything,I have only 59,000 miles on my car. but I knew something was wrong. now come to find out its the VVT after it was inspected by Mazda dealers they also said my bad VVT has caused the timing chain to stretch, and I shouldnt be driving my car. BUT get this theyre not going to fix it!! Not until I produce ALL my oil change receipt. Thats almost five years. I dont get it if they know the parts bad, then they should fix it. Plus what about the timing belt? I dont know what to do!!

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  Why wont they fix my car??? - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By ebricha - March 25 - 8:06 am

  Ive purchased my 07 mazda new, the last few months Ive notice a noise coming from my car, my car was sounding loud, had it looked at and more than one person said they didnt hear anything,I have only 59,000 miles on my car. but I knew something was wrong. now come to find out its the VVT after it was inspected by Mazda dealers they also said my bad VVT has caused the timing chain to stretch, and I shouldnt be driving my car. BUT get this theyre not going to fix it!! Not until I produce ALL my oil change receipt. Thats almost five years. I dont get it if they know the parts bad, then they should fix it. Plus what about the timing belt? I dont know what to do!!

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  Another RX-8 Lemon - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Anne - March 19 - 12:30 am

  Here is another RX-8 that had to have the engine replaced. This car is an outrage that they ever put this car into production! My husband owned a 1984 RX-7 and loved it. We were so disappointed. It been in the shop since we got it. The engine light has never been off. The deal told us it was sand in the engine, then this and that and final we demanded a new engine. Has been OK for three years and now the engine shuts down once it get hot..about 90 miles. SO now we just drive it 15 minutes to the van pool. Mazda you should have recalled this car..never by another Mazda and tell my horror story. My other car is a 2002 Toyota 4Runner..the best truck on earth..no kidding!

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  Uses Oil - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Tanya - March 15 - 12:36 am

  Our vehicle uses 1 quart of oil every 600 miles - ridiculous! The oil is only supposed to be changed every 5000 miles, but it is frequently changing itself. Mazda Corps selling practice are very deceptive. If anyone knew how much oil this car burned no one would ever buy it. And, to boot it gets 15 mpg! This is worse than my truck!

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  150,000 KMs later... - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By shawn303 - March 10 - 11:05 pm

  Bought the car new in December 2006 and have put 150K on it. Good - reliable engine and tranny. - OK if you have 2 children - good on fuel - pulled an 8 foot tent trailer with it all the way to the east coast - no leaks Bad - front suspension components give up very fast - wheel bearings give up really fast - tires do not last long at all - low clearance so if theres snow or raod kill, youll hit it and cause damage - exhaust system is rotted out and needs replacing - rust under wheel wells - stiff ride - no arm rest for co-pilot in front seat?

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  dont get what you pay for..... - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By MCOLANNINO - March 8 - 4:53 am

  Switching from a Outback I was looking forward to a smaller, sleeker wagon but Im not won over by this one. Some minor but noticeable cons: It comes with an ashtray ... who uses an ashtray anymore? Making room for the ashtray storage seems wasteful. It has a built in storage for sunglasses above the rear view mirror which doesnt allow moms to clip on their 2nd rear view mirror for the kids. Lastly, a big CON, the rear windows go down ALL THE WAY. Im used to rear windows stopping about 8" from the bottom; anyone with infants be aware, the rear windows come all the way down. Also for some reason the air conditioner runs automatically. I dont get why that is?

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  I like many things about this car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By James Forte - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Coming out of a 98 Passat, I wanted more basic ride for my daily driver. The MAZDA3 is good, but certainly not comparable in attention to detail (but its $7K less!). I am happy with the fuel economy and design, although materials could be better. Mazda should be proud and has a car that competes with the base Jetta and Corolla. The real problem with this car is its brand. Nothing symbolizes second rate more than Mazda with its childish campaigns (please stop!). The goofy kid/song – argh! Fortunately for Mazda, the product exceeds its poor brand image. For me, I have to fend off all of my buddies who tease me about Zoom Zoom (it’s better than Suzuki!).